This course emphasizes the role of communication, interpersonal interaction, critical thinking, decision-making, adaptability, accountability and responsibility, and the role of leadership in nursing. The foundation for nursing leadership is based on the liberal arts and sciences and the nursing practice skills acquired in the program of studies. The changing environment of the health care delivery system will be explored to include the redesign, restructuring, and reengineering of the system. Organization principles that include fiscal management, staffing patterns, motivation, delegation, informatics, and quality review are developed and practiced in a variety of clinical settings within the framework of general systems theory. Change theory, organizational theory, and conflict resolution will be addressed to facilitate decision-making and problem-solving. Students will explore the role of the nurse leader when supervising, directing, and delegating therapeutic nursing interventions with clients to promote, maintain, restore, and reorganize health, and support death with dignity. Prerequisite: all 300 RN level courses. Offered twice a year.